EFFECT OF SOME ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON THE STABILITY OF FUNGICIDES AND THEIR TOXICITY ON ALBINO RATS

: This study was conducted to compare the effect of accelerated storage at 54± 2°C for 3, 7, 14 and 21 days on difenoconazole (Score 25%), azoxystrobin (Amistar 25%) and their mixtures active ingredient content (Amistar top 32.5%), as well as to investigate the effects of sub chronic exposure to the tested male albino rats. Results indicated that difenoconazole 25% active ingredient and in mixture were more stable, where the loss % were 2.23 and 4.47%, respectively, after 21 days from storage at 54± 2°C – whereas, azoxystrobin active ingredient content was stable at formulation amistar 25% and not stable in mixture, where loss % were 2.54 and 6.54%, respectively. The photodegradation of tested fungicides in different water sources were studied. The half-life of azoxystrobin in the mixture was less than the single azoxystrobin in all water source (Nile, ground and waste water). The difenoconazole half-life in mixture was less than single difenoconazole in waste and ground water, whereas, the half-life of single difenoconazole was less than mixture in nile water. Concerning to sub chronic effects of difenoconazole, azoxystrobin and their mixtures after given daily for 65 days to male albino rats at dosage 1/20 and 1/40 of LD 50 . The sperm counts and motility were decreased at all tested fungicides, as well as, LH and FSH levels decreased, histopathological examination showed testicular changes at higher dosage of mixture. All tested fungicides increased liver enzymes (AST, ALT, cholesterol and triglyceride) at dosage 1/20 and 1/40 of LD 50 and induced liver damage and alteration. The mixture of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole induced the higher effect on liver and fertility.